The Classic BRIT Awards 2018 announces the official partners for this year’s ceremony on Wednesday 13th June at the Royal Albert Hall.
Apple Music, Classic FM, PPL and Royal Albert Hall are backing the first Classic BRIT Awards in 5 years and all represent the multi-faceted, diverse event it has become. With a commitment to championing classic music in all its forms, each plays a vital role in bringing it to the public and supporting artists. And they are showing their commitment to its future by becoming our official partners in 2018.
Celebrating music from the worlds of classical, film, television, theatre and games, The Classic BRIT Awards return in a year in which sensational new young classical performers have emerged, alongside the world’s biggest soundtracks and huge stars from musical theatre.
And a new audience is discovering classic music via platforms old and new.
As the UK’s biggest classical music radio station and one of the biggest commercial radio stations in the UK, Classic FM is a long-term partner and huge supporter of the Classic BRIT Awards.
With a weekly audience of 5.7 million people, Classic FM has more than one million listeners aged under 35. The station is partnering on the ‘Classic FM Album Of The Year’ Award, voted for by its listeners, and providing significant exposure for the Sound Of Classical Poll – a competition for classical artists aged 13-30 and tipped for a great future. The winner will be chosen by an expert panel and revealed at the ceremony in June, and Classic FM will feature nominees ahead of the ceremony, providing an incredible platform for new classical talent.
Sam Jackson, Classic FM’s managing editor, said: “Like the Classic BRITs, we’re passionate about making classical music accessible and relevant to everyone, so it’s fantastic to be part of this celebration of world-class talent. Supporting emerging artists is particularly important to us, and we’re thrilled to be providing a platform to showcase young performers through the Sound of Classical Poll. We’re very much looking forward to what is set to be a great night.”
Music streaming continues to grow in popularity and has reached scale; classical is no exception. According to the Official Charts Company classical music streams rose 52% in the first 2 months of 2018 alone, surpassing 10 million streams every week except one. Apple Music is home of the world’s most complete catalogue of classical music available to stream and download. We are delighted to have Apple Music as the official digital music service for The Classic BRIT Awards 2018. This year's Critics’ Choice Award will be in association with Apple Music.
PPL licenses recorded music in the UK when it is played in public (shops, bars, nightclubs, offices etc.) or broadcast (BBC, commercial radio, commercial TV etc.) and ensure that revenue flows back to its performer and record company members. These include both independent and major record companies, together with performers ranging from emerging grassroots artists through to established session musicians and influential festival headliners. PPL now has tens of thousands performer and record company members, many of which will feature in or support the Classic BRIT Awards.
Peter Leathem, Chief Executive Officer commented: “We are pleased to see the return of the Classic BRITs to the historic Royal Albert Hall on 13 June and to sponsor the Breakthrough award, championing the most exciting emerging artists. The ceremony will champion a diverse range of talent, including many individuals from within our record company and performer community, and we look forward to being part of an event that recognises music from the worlds of classical, film, television, theatre and games.”
The Royal Albert Hall is an iconic venue for music of all kinds but as the home of the BBC Proms, the Love Classical festival, Films in Concert and the Classic BRIT Awards it is synonymous with orchestral music. A uniquely historic venue, it is the perfect backdrop to a glamorous evening.
Lucy Noble, Artistic Director of the Royal Albert Hall, said: “It’s a real honour for us to welcome the Classic BRITs back to the Hall next month. We’re committed to making classical music accessible to all, both through high-profile events and Education & Outreach initiatives, and these very special awards do an incredible job of raising the profile of the genre, as well as celebrating some of the most extraordinary artists working today.”
Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI & BRIT Awards, said: “We value the tremendous support of our Classic BRITs partners - Classic FM, Apple Music, PPL and the Royal Albert Hall as well as our record label members - and thank them for their commitment in helping to bring The Classic BRITs back after a 5-year hiatus. Their shared passion for classic music in all its diverse and exciting new forms is not only providing support to an extraordinary new wave of talent, it is also helping to broaden the appeal of classic music among the next generation of music fans.”
Hosted by musicians and Classic FM presenters Myleene Klass and Alexander Armstrong, performers announced so far include the incredible Andrea Bocelli, Britain’s favourite duo Michael Ball & Alfie Boe, opera legend Sir Bryn Terfel and pianist Tokio Myers.
Dame Vera Lynn has already been announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Tokio Myers will be named Classic BRITs Breakthrough Artist Of The Year.
Showcasing the best and brightest of incredible new British talent, the Classic BRIT Awards’ Sound Of Classical Poll winner will receive £1000 toward their music tuition or equipment and 4 tickets to the Classic BRIT Awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall on June 13th. Enter at www.classicbrits.co.uk.
Tickets for The Classic BRIT Awards 2018 on sale now
Ticket Prices range from: £23.00 to £74.00
Available from: 020 7589 8212 and www.royalalberthall.com
